Discover the untamed North | Sri Lanka Tour

Route

You’ll start in the lush green countryside near Kandy and the famous cultural sights around Sigiriya. Next, you’ll travel all the way to the far north to Jaffna, a pure and authentic region where you’ll hardly meet any other tourists. You’ll end the trip in a relaxed way on the beaches of Trincomalee and Negombo.

Pace

This is an active 15-day tour where you’ll see and do a lot. Because we plan the cycling trips and walks early in the morning, you’ll often have the afternoon free to kick back by the pool or on the beach.

Highlights

Climbing the famous Lion Rock in Sigiriya and a fantastic train ride to colourful Jaffna. You’ll cycle through ancient royal cities, learn how to make curries with a local family, and visit impressive temples. You’ll also go on a jeep safari to spot elephants and head out onto the ocean by boat to look for whales and dolphins.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in small-scale, charming boutique hotels where personal hospitality is key. One day you’re right in the middle of nature, the next you can roll straight from your room onto the beach. You’ll also get a real taste of the local cuisine, from traditional dishes cooked in clay ovens to super-fresh seafood.

Profile

This trip is perfect for couples or families with older children who love culture and nature, and want to discover the real Sri Lanka. Ideal if you want to see the famous highlights but also love getting off the beaten track.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A valid visa is required.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Sri Lanka we recommend vaccination against DTP and Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and TB. Vaccination against yellow fever is only mandatory for Sri Lanka if you have been in a country with yellow fever 7 days before entering Sri Lanka. This also applies if you have made a transfer and spent more than 12 hours in the yellow fever country in question. There is no risk of malaria. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka

Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! After landing in Colombo, your private chauffeur/guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. You’ll head out straight away for the drive to your hotel near Kandy (approx. 3 hours). The rest of the day is yours to unwind and acclimatize.

Day 2: Botanical Gardens & Temple of the Tooth

After breakfast, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, famous for its giant palm avenues and vibrant orchids. In the early evening, explore Kandy. You’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth, the spiritual heart of the country where Buddha's sacred tooth relic is preserved.

Day 3: Spice Garden & Dambulla Cave Temples

Travel onwards to Sigiriya (approx. 2 hours 15 mins). En route, stop at Spice Ceylon, a lush spice garden where you’ll learn how cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla grow. Next, visit the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples, filled with ancient Buddha statues and frescoes. Check into your hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy a free evening.

Day 4: Sigiriya Rock & Jeep Safari

An early start to climb the famous Sigiriya Rock, beating both the heat and the crowds. Atop the 'Lion Rock', you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view over the emerald plains. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari (in Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco Park, depending on where the elephants are that day) to spot wild herds. End the day with a colourful traditional dance performance in Habarana.

Day 5: Cycling Tour, Cooking Workshop & Polonnaruwa

Explore the countryside around Kandalama Lake by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Stop by a local family's home for an authentic cooking workshop, followed by a delicious homemade lunch. In the afternoon, discover the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa by bike, admiring the massive Buddha figures carved directly into the rock faces.

Day 6: Avukana Buddha, Mihintale & Anuradhapura

Head further north today. Stop at the 12-meter-high Avukana Buddha statue and climb the 1,800 granite steps of the sacred Mihintale mountain, the birthplace of Buddhism on the island. In the early evening, explore the ancient ruins and towering stupas of Anuradhapura, the country's first capital.

Day 7: Wilpattu Safari & Nachchaduwa Lake

Start with a morning jeep safari and picnic breakfast in Wilpattu National Park. As Sri Lanka's largest park, it’s renowned for its dense lakes and forests—keep your eyes peeled for leopards and sloth bears! In the late afternoon, enjoy a sundowner at Nachchaduwa Lake, followed by a traditional Kamatha dinner on the hotel grounds.

Day 8: Train Journey to Jaffna

Time for the real adventure. Your chauffeur will take you to Anuradhapura station for a scenic 4-hour train journey to the far north. Watch the landscape shift as you enter the vibrant Tamil region. Arrive in Jaffna and transfer to your hotel to enjoy this unique, untouched part of Sri Lanka.

Day 9: Jaffna Fort, Local Crafts & Nallur Kovil

Begin your day at the historic Jaffna Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch. Dive into local culture with a traditional sesame oil demonstration, a pottery session, and an authentic northern lunch. End the day at Nallur Kovil, one of the island's most sacred and colourful Hindu temples.

Day 10: Nagadeepa Island & Dambakola Patuna

After breakfast, take a boat ride to Nagadeepa Island (Nainatheevu) to visit its striking Hindu temple. In the afternoon, drive to the coastal and historic Buddhist pilgrimage site of Dambakola Patuna. In the evening, savour a genuine Jaffna-style dinner featuring aromatic curries and fresh seafood on the menu.

Day 11: Transfer to Trincomalee & Koneswaram Temple

A 4.5-hour drive brings you to Trincomalee on the northeast coast. After checking in, explore the town, its natural harbour, and the wide sandy beaches of Nilaveli. Later, visit Koneswaram Temple, spectacularly perched on the cliffs of Swami Rock overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Day 12: Dolphin and Whale Watching & Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

Set sail early in the morning for a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales (the sea is wonderfully calm here between May and October). After a picnic on board, head to Pigeon Island National Park for a snorkeling session amidst coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and small reef sharks.

Day 13: Free Day at the Beach

A blissful free day on the east coast. Relax on the beach, lounge by the hotel pool, or explore at your own pace. Your chauffeur is fully at your disposal (up to 60 km) to take you to the best local markets or seafood restaurants. Today, the choice is entirely yours!

Day 14: Transfer to Negombo

Travel back towards the west coast today (approx. 5.5 hours drive). Upon arriving in the coastal town of Negombo, check into your hotel. Spend your final evening strolling along the beach, picking up souvenirs, or reflecting on your journey.

Day 15: Flight Home

Your extraordinary journey through Sri Lanka comes to an end. After breakfast, your chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

What budget should you expect?

For this journey, you can expect a price starting from € 12,500 for two people (or € 6,250 per person). The exact price will depend on the period you travel, your final choices, and any optional extras.

Frequently Asked Questions about this tour

How physically demanding is this round trip?

A basic level of fitness is more than enough to fully enjoy this trip. The itinerary is varied, offering a wonderful mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. There are, however, a few more active moments on the programme, such as the cycling tours and the climbs up Sigiriya Rock (1,200 steps) and the sacred Mihintale mountain (1,800 steps). We deliberately schedule these climbs early in the morning to beat the peak heat and the crowds, allowing you to walk up at your own pace.

What dress codes apply during the trip?

For active days, we recommend comfortable, lightweight clothing and good walking shoes. Because you will be visiting beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples along this route (such as the Temple of the Tooth and Nallur Kovil), respectful attire is mandatory. This means that both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. Tip: make sure to always keep a light shawl or sarong in your daypack so you can quickly wrap it around you. Shoes must be removed when entering temples, so you might want to bring a pair of (old) socks to protect your feet from the warm ground.

What are the chances of spotting wild elephants and leopards during the safaris?

The chances of seeing wild elephants are incredibly high! We select the specific national park for Day 4 (Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco Park) on the spot, basing our choice on the current migration patterns of the large elephant herds. On Day 7, we visit Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest and most peaceful park. This is a stunning area of untouched nature, home to sloth bears and leopards. Since these are wild animals in their natural habitat, a leopard sighting can never be 100% guaranteed, but our experienced guides and rangers will do everything they can to follow the tracks and offer you the very best opportunities.